``With his demonstrated leadership with the Kings and Galaxy, I am confident he will find ways to improve the Blazers' business performance, which is key to the team's overall success,'' Blazers owner Paul Allen said in a prepared statement.

McGowan, who joins the Blazers on Nov. 12, succeeds Larry Miller, who was with the Blazers for five years before he returned to a position at Nike in the offseason.

``I admire the strength of the Trail Blazers' brand and the passion of their fan base,'' McGowan said. ``I am eager to join the staff and continue to build an organization of which the city can be proud.''

McGowan will manage all business operations of the team and the Rose Garden. He will report to Peter McLoughlin, who has become chief executive officer of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, which oversees all of Allen's sports franchises and facilities. Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, also owns the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and is part owner of the MLS Seattle Sounders.

Neil Olshey, the team's general manager, who was appointed in June, will manage all of the Blazers' basketball operations.